Cents sign a pair of players for the upcoming season

MERRITT – The Merritt Centennials have signed a pair of players for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

The Cents signed defenseman Martins Kruklitis and goalie Andrew Ballantyne.

Kruklitis is coming to the Nicola Valley from Jelgava in Latvia, the Centennials first non-North American signing since the BCHL went independent and announced changes to rosters. The 19-year-old defenseman played across three different leagues last season, finishing the season with the Zemgale Juniors in Lativa2 league, putting up four goals and five assists for nine points in 11 games. Kruklitis, standing at 6’6” also laced up for Latvia at the U18 World Juniors Championships where he scored one goal and added in two assists in four games.

“The Merritt Centennials extend a warm welcome to Martins Kruklitis, eagerly anticipating his potential on and off the ice,” wrote the Centennials. “Kruklitis is poised to make a significant impact, bolstering the team’s defensive prowess.”

The net minder, Ballantyne spent last season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). The 19 year-old played in 29 games for the Pickering Panthers, putting up a 18-7-1 record with a 2.92 GAA and a 0.911 SV%. Throughout the Whitby, Ontario natives time in the OJHL, he had a 28-9-1 record in 44 games with a 2.69 GAA and a 0.915 SV%. Ballantyne and the Panthers also took part in the 2022 Centennial Cup, for the top Junior A programs across Canada, but lost in the Finals to the Brooks Bandits.

“The Merritt Centennials welcome Andrew Ballantyne to the organization and the Merritt community,” wrote the Centennials. “With his impressive track record and determination, Ballantyne is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s success.”